Caste survey: Telangana MLC Teenmaar Mallanna stands firm, Congress jittery to take action

Congress MLC had dubbed the caste survey as ‘fake’ and had even burnt the report

Hyderabad: With Congress MLC Teenmaar Mallanna standing firm on his defiant stand over the caste survey in Telangana, the Congress leadership is jittery to initiate action against him in the backdrop of severe discontent among the BCs over the survey.

It may be recalled that the Congress MLC had dubbed the caste survey as ‘fake’ and had even burnt the caste survey report on February 5 in a symbolic protest. The same day, the State Congress leadership served a show-cause notice to him seeking his explanation before February 12.

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However, the Congress MLC is standing firm on its stand over the caste survey. The MLC had openly declared that he would not respond to the notice.

On Friday too, the MLC said the first phase of the survey was not conducted properly. In Hyderabad, at ward no.4 under West Marredpally, many colonies were skipped under the survey. It has to be seen whether the government would conduct the resurvey perfectly, Teenmaar Mallanna said.

The State leadership is miffed with Teenmaar Mallanna for his open defiance against the party. He had also made objectionable comments towards a community. With pressure mounting from different sections, the State leadership wants to initiate action but is worried about the possible consequences.

“It is a fact that there were a few discrepancies in the caste survey and accordingly, the Congress government announced a resurvey. At this juncture, taking action against Teenmaar Mallanna, who hails from BC community, could be counterproductive for the party,” a senior leader from Gandhi Bhavan said. With local bodies’ elections fast approaching, taking action against Teenmaar Mallanna could have adverse political consequences, the leader added.

With Teenmaar Mallanna refusing to respond to the showcause notice, the TPCC Disciplinary Committee would have to hold a meeting and discuss the future course of action. Gandhi Bhavan sources said the issue could be kept on the back-burner.